by W H Beswick
Titalus turned a blind eye to it all. He now had more money than he could ever spend in his lifetime. The beautiful Earthling was now his wife. He had a large house and more. He was thrilled when his mistress announced she was pregnant.
Life seemed to be perfect.
For so many good years he lived this life. A beautiful wife and child.
It ended so quickly.
The arrogance of the Earthlings had been their undoing. They had assumed other worlds would just accept their ways. They had been wrong.
So wrong.
So had he.
Titalus had started to hear rumors of rebellions on other worlds. On some worlds there appeared to be all out war. Wars that the Earthlings were losing. The news agencies on his world played down all these stories, calling them false.
Of course by this time the Earthlings controlled what the public saw and heard.
Then one night the combined forces of other planets invaded his world with the help of the underground. The underground that Earthlings and many like him had thought was just an annoyance had actually been laying the ground work for the invasion. In mere days the Earthlings began to flee. His wife fled to Earth with their child. He had promised he would join her there.
He had no intention of going to Earth.
He knew his name would come up as a criminal. He fled the only home he had known with a great deal of his ill-gotten gains. He took on the new name, hiding his wealth in accounts spread around several worlds. To complete his cover he even joined the fight against the Earthlings.
After the war his real name was still on the list of traitors. Thankfully he was low on the list but in time he would be at the top. During the war he had found a disgraced surgeon to give him a new face. Now when he looked in the mirror, he saw almost a complete stranger. There were still traces of his old face, along with his pointed ears. It would be enough. Most of his close friends had been killed. His wife and child had been on the Earth.
Or so he thought.
The first bad news was his ill-gotten wealth had been found. Now almost penniless he fled.
He kept moving from place to place. Somehow he knew one day they would catch up with him. The man known as Titalus had done some terrible things. His dead wife had spoken about something called karma.
Now it seemed this day may have come. It was like his past had come right up to him and said remember me. A face from the past. He almost fainted but realized the other person hadn’t recognized him. It was for this reason he stayed in his cabin. The plan was to stay in the cabin until the invitation to play poker with Prime Centurion Bacco Uxtel had come.
Titalus had served under the Prime Centurion. The invitation made it clear he couldn’t say no. He knew that Bacco didn’t just want to see an old army buddy. The older alien told himself to calm down. If the Prime Centurion wanted to expose him, he could have done it long ago. Of course, Daris knew things too. Things that powerful people didn’t want known.
He was so tired of moving. Always moving. Maybe he could put an end to this nomadic life. He just had to wait and see what the Prime Centurion wanted.
CHAPTER 10
PRINCESS DEELA
Well, you have met the major players in this story. There are some minor players but these are the important ones. Before I continue on I should tell you a little more about myself. As I mentioned I am a princess.
Not a very good one.
I choose, as the Earthlings say, to walk my own path. I do wear long beautiful gowns from time to time. When the situation calls for it. My preferred outfits will shock you to no end. I like certain Earth fashion. I love their blouses, things they call tee-shirts, and the pants they called jeans, but they have to be washed numerous times to get them the right color and softness. The best thing the Earthlings came up with were things called sneakers. These without a doubt are the most comfortable shoes in the universe. Especially the ones called, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Vans and my personal favorite Converse high tops. The Converse come in various colors but I like the black and white. Thankfully being a princess and being rich has helped fill up my closets with enough pairs to last me a lifetime. How I obtained all these items was not entirely legal. If I was not a princess, questions would be asked.
I am considered beautiful and find no reason to disagree. I stand about six foot with a perfect figure that does turn heads especially when I wear something tight and short. I have pink hair that I wear in an Earth style called a pageboy. It falls just above my shoulders. I also have pink eyes and freckles on my pale skin that refuses to tan. I really want a golden tan like I see in the pictures of Earth women. Apparently it will not happen.
As you can tell I have a fascination with the Earth and its culture. I am one of the few beings that think not all Earthlings are ruthless, greedy killers. Another reason my family was thrilled to see me leave my home world.
An Earth loving princess not only talking about them but who is a literal walking fashion statement for them was seen as embarrassing.
I booked passage on the Golden Halo unaware that Queen Rexannis was on board. I do know her. One the few royal bloods I know and actually like. As I pointed out there are millions, probably billions, of beings claiming to have royal blood. I do find it fascinating all these royal bloods seem to have the same arrogant attitude and believe they are better than the common folk.
Back to my story. I was making my way to the pleasure planet Tridase. I had heard an actual Earthling had been there. It should be no surprise I have never seen an Earthling in the flesh. Oh, I have seen pictures.
It is not the same.
It was supposed to be a quick flight to the Tridase but then Rexannis came aboard and now we are making a side trip so she can get married. This means another two weeks on the Golden Halo.
Most annoying.
But that’s the royals for you.
The only good news was that Prime Centurion Bacco Uxtel was on board. This was good news indeed. I had a score to settle with the Prime Centurion.
CHAPTER 11
GUESTS AT THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE
There are a few obligations demanded of one of royal blood that I do abide by. Such as when the captain of the vessel invites you to sit at his table. You accept.
Which is how I ended up sitting at the Captain Fross’ table. I don’t know the man but he does seem to fidget a lot which should concern me since he is in charge of the ship. He is a small roundish fellow with hair and beard that were a little black for my taste. I suspect the good captain’s hair color comes from a bottle. His black uniform with all the brass buttons and gold trim had been tailored to fit his oval body. He should have hired a better tailor. Of course, it didn’t help his legs and arms seemed too short for his body. He did have bright yellow eyes that seemed to shine but there was also a sadness in them. Fross seemed very good at being polite and acting interested in whoever was talking to him.
A necessary skill not only for captains but a princess too.
By the ship captain was the queen herself. I have to say she was indeed beautiful, maybe more beautiful than the last time I saw her. You never can tell with photo images. So much can be done with computers and lighting. She was wearing a very simple white gown with a gold tiara to hold back two long curls from her face. The rest was pinned up into a style that seemed to be defying gravity.
Kudos to her maid.
With hair that long, she must spend hours in the shower, washing it and combing it out.
Or she has servants to do that.
Beside her was the man she loved, Prime Centurion Bacco Uxtel. He was wearing a white uniform with no medals, ribbons or any of the usual decorations officer’s wore.
I found it amusing they were both wearing white. A sign of their chastity. Going to the altar, pure as snow. Trust me. If those two are virgins, I am not a princess.
I was little annoyed because Uxtel seemed to be ignoring me, or maybe it was the scars. I had heard he had been wounded in the war. Almos
t killed. It wasn’t the face I remembered but it was close enough. I assumed the general had gotten the best medical treatment money could buy. Whoever worked on him earned his money. Being at the other end of the table made it almost impossible to have a chat with him.
Oh, did I forget to tell you? I knew the prime centurion before the war. We met in a casino of all places. Uxtel was playing poker and getting disgusted with the other players. Poker isn’t really about luck. There is a lot of skill in the game. Bluffing, knowing when to fold, when to raise and when to get up and walk away. The other players couldn’t bluff if their lives depended on it. I could read their tells from across the room. The prime centurion was about to leave when I stepped up and challenged him. At first he laughed and started to walk away.
The word coward made him stop and look back. It was then he saw I was serious. He made some clever remark about how he should charge for me for the lessons he was about to give me.
Lessons indeed.
We played well into the night. Uxtel won in the end but the next night I came out on top. By the end of week he had won the last hand. We shared a meal, a drink and parted good friends. His being on the ship was, I took, a fortuitous encounter to get some payback. Bacco was one of the best poker players I knew.
But so far his attention had been divided between his fiancé, the captain and another younger man in a blue dress uniform. His had all the usual decorations so the world would know what a good little soldier he was. He was pale and bald just like the general. My keen eye told me he had some surgery done. Wars will leave scars.
The lady sitting next to me was the prime minister of the queen’s world. Ley Tunga was very attractive with a bosom that kept threatening to spill out of her too tight dress. I can only imagine it was these assets that got her elected. She kept on trying to drag me into a discussion on politics. I do not discuss politics or religion with anyone. It is a sure fire way to start a debate that will usually end up in an argument. No one walks away happy. Not to mention what it does to one’s digestion.
Besides I find politics boring and religion interests me even less. I suppose one day I will have to answer for my lack of faith but not today. Today the wine was good and so was the meal.
Across from me was the ship’s doctor. A tall, slender man with an intelligent face. The color of his skin and stripes told what planet he was from. His name was Allton Crag. I knew the name and the man by the scandal. How the mighty had fallen. He was wearing a very white uniform jacket that looked almost new. It showed no signs of wear and tear. The good doctor either took care of his clothes or they were new to him. Considering his reputation I didn’t only wonder how he got to be the ship’s doctor, but how he was sitting at the Captain’s table. I did notice he was on his second glass of wine.
Nervous?
Maybe not.
Perhaps I was hoping something was going to happen. Space voyages tend to be boring. A nice conflict always made things much more interesting.
The last person at the table was a young ship’s officer. An ensign I think. By the look on her face and her nervously looking around or showing too much interest in her food, this young lady was either not used to being at the captain’s table, or was it all this royalty? I found her nervousness and pointed ears interesting. As an excellent poker player, I could tell something was going on here.
I thought of an excellent Earth murder mystery novel I had read. The dapper detective always talked about putting the little gray cells to work.
I think I will do just that.
CHAPTER 12
THE EARTHLING PROBLEM
“Are you telling me you actually are in favor of this proposal?”
Dr. Crag was speaking to the Prime Centurion. The question came out of nowhere. Bacco stopped bringing the glass of wine to his lips. The Prime Centurion looked genuinely surprised. He leaned forward. The doctor continued. “The Earthlings are savages. The universe is still recovering from the wars that they started.”
“I am afraid the Prime Centurion is quite pro-earthling.” Ley said putting her elbows on the table. Had the woman been brought up in a barn? Still she looked excited. She was finally getting the discussion she wanted. “Which I find fascinating since he had been on the front line. He better than anyone knows what Earthling are capable of.”
“As I have pointed out to you before prime minister. Not all Earthling are alike. Most of them are just like us.” Bacco said with no hint of embarrassment. Considering his face you would think he would be more…oh what is the word I am looking for?
Resentful?
Hostile?
Oh bother, I’ll come back to it.
The general continued. “During the war I interacted with many of the Earthlings. Prisoners of war and such. Most had no idea why they were fighting this war. Many had been forced to enlist. Even more were wondering why more efforts weren’t being put into peace talks.”
“They had no interest in talking peace.” Crag said, then gulped down his wine. He actually wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “They came out into space and acted like it was their right to rape and pillage. Entire populations were enslaved. Some planets polluted so badly it will take years for their recovery. Savages.”
“My dear sir,” Queen Rexannis said with a soft but firm voice with just the hint of a smile on her lips. “Are you suggesting we were not already polluting our own worlds? The Lacarty were already enslaved. Several planets were already at war.”
“It was this diversity that enabled the Earthling to get as far as they did.” Prime Centurion Uxtel said leaning forward but not putting his elbows on the table. “The one positive thing that wars brought about was the Unification of Planets. Now instead of fighting among ourselves, we talk.”
“I find that surprising.” Ensign Sig said, finally looking up from her plate. The nervousness was suddenly gone. She was looking right into the Prime Centurion’s face. “You are a soldier. If memory serves me right, you were part of the final act.”
“Yes, I was there when the final act was presented.” He said, looking at the young officer with an odd expression. “I was opposed to the final act. Sadly I was not one of the twenty to make the final decision.”
I noted that the Prime Centurion glanced at the prime minister
“Genocide is never the solution. It is morally wrong. We attempted to wipe out an entire race. Thank the Gods, we failed.”
“Happily, there are still some around.” I said with a smile. This got me some cool glares. I ignored them. “They must have some virtues. Look at their fashion, and I understand Earth cuisine is quiet delicious.”
“Oh you are right on that account.” Optio Zana said with smile and nod. “I had what they call a hamburger. It was messy but quite tasty. I believe the General has tasted something called Chinese food.”
“Oh yes, I think it was called Kung Pao Beef. Very spicy, served over rice.” Uxtel said with a nod, as if remembering the tasty dish. “But the fact is, thanks to us there are just a few thousand Earthlings left. Even after the war, they were being hunted down and killed. Thank the Gods we put a stop to that.”
“By executing some of our own!” Prime Minister Tunga snapped banging her hand on the table. “Was that really necessary?”
“Yes!” The Prime Centurion growled looking quite angry. The war had changed him. The Bacco I knew was very slow to anger. “The war was over. They had surrendered. What those people were doing was murder. Nothing more than cold blooded murder. Hangings, dragged behind cars, stoned and worse. Wasn’t it enough we turned their planet into scorched ball where nothing will be able live for centuries!? The final act not only killed soldiers but women, children. It killed…no murdered everything. We went too far. There was no honor in this victory. We owe them a new home.”
“Well, you may be right.” Ley muttered but I suspected she really didn’t agree. I suspected she realized she was upsetting the Prime Centurion and considering he was about to marry a queen it was the smart t
hing to do.
“So are they any closer to finding a home for the Earthlings?” I asked.
“Actually the commission hasn’t even started to look.” Queen Rexannis said in a cool voice that suggested her disgust with the lack of progress. “There are still many who share the same view as our prime minister.”
These last words were directed right at the lady beside me. Ley Tunga attempted to stare the queen down but lost.
“Even after we get approval.” Prime Centurion Uxtel said with a grim face. “There is the problem of the Earthling being scattered around on goodness knows how many planets.”
“It is my understanding Lady Venusun has one on her staff.” Rexannis said. “Some kind of consular I think?”
“What?” I gasped. “Lady Venusun employs an Earthling? I knew there was a reason I like her. What do you know about him?”
The Queen smiled brightly. She seemed thrilled to be able to move onto another topic. “I know he supposedly saved her life.”
CHAPTER 13
THE EARTHLING
“An Earthling saved her life?’ I said with real surprise. This went against everything I had known about Earthlings. It is true I have never met one but I had done my research. The men were all very strong, most having tattoos on their arms and sometimes on their chests and backs. They wore leather jackets and jeans, along with sneakers or boots. They would do almost anything while puffing on a cigar. Apparently they were excellent lovers. The women were supposed to very beautiful and seductive. My dear mother had warned me not to leave anyone I cared about alone with an Earthling. “How did he do this?”
Images of a huge muscle bound Earthling rushing to save the powerful lady filled my head. A gun in hand. Blazing away.
“You must have heard about Lady Venusun’s marriage to that penniless commoner.”
